Top 10: Most Powerful Men In The World

Number 4

Vladimir Putin

Russian President

The collapse of the Soviet Union left a lingering nostalgia for power in this country that has always aspired to greatness. The leadership of the world's largest nation, with 145 million inhabitants and a $1.2 trillion GDP (est. 2001), will struggle for many years to come to bring this fallen bear to its feet.

But Russia still holds much influence today. With petrochemical and infrastructure contracts abounding, including in Iraq, it is still a major force in Asia, and is set to lead a strategic partnership with its major powers, like China and India. But with a military force of 1.2 million, Putin is smart enough to play the double card of pleasing both Asia and the U.S. What else would you expect from a former KGB agent?

Quote: "Anyone who doesn't regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains."

Number 3

Alan Greenspan

Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve

The chairman of the Federal Reserve makes the decisions that keeps the American — and by extension the world's — economy healthy. By the power of his word, Greenspan manipulates the American interest rates, which can send the market darting upwards or crumbling to the ground. And like most men of influence, he always keeps the markets and the politicians guessing.

In his 16-year tenure as chairman of the Fed, Greenspan has helped maintain the American economy at a steady rate of growth while keeping inflation in check. With the American GDP at nearly $10.4 trillion (est. 2002), this is no painless task. And with globalization connecting economies, people from New York to New Delhi wait on his word before buying a house.

Quote: "In the absence of the gold standard, there is no way to protect savings from confiscation through inflation. There is no safe store of value."

Number 2

Silvio Berlusconi

Prime Minister of Italy

Italy's leader and richest citizen represents a new breed of media monopolist politicians. His influential Fininvest holding company dominates Italy's commercial television, and book and magazine publishing industries.

Himself worth $12 billion, he also controls the country's biggest film production company and this year's Champions League winners, AC Milan. But he doesn't just rule Italy's airwaves. His power is such that he is set to pass a bill that will indefinitely freeze the trial in which he is charged with bribing a judge to approve Fininvest's attempted takeover of food company SME.

A staunch U.S. supporter, Berlusconi became president of the European Union on July 1, 2003. He is the first man that George W. Bush calls when he needs international support.

Quote: "There is no one on the world stage who can compete with me."

Number 1

George W. Bush

American President

It should come as no surprise that the leader of the world's sole superpower should receive the top spot on the list. George W. Bush leads the world's fourth largest nation, the most technologically powerful economy, and sits as supreme commander of the greatest military arsenal in history, with over 247,000 personnel posted overseas in more than 130 countries.

When the U.S. talks, the world listens. Responsible for 40% of the world's military spending, many countries rely on U.S. military might for protection, making it the most attractive ally to have.

And when the American economy shakes, everyone from Texas to Tokyo feels it. America leads and will continue to lead the world unchallenged for many years to come, hence its foothold of the top spot on any "power" list.

Quote: "We will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation in every region now has a decision to make: Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists."